Heavy traffic congestion from Dehradun to Rishikesh on Sunday caused major inconvenience to commuters and tourists, turning the weekend journey into hours-long delays. Long queues of vehicles were reported from early morning, with severe traffic pressure at Lachhiwala Toll Plaza where vehicles moved slowly throughout the day.
According to local motorists, the traffic buildup intensified as tourists returning from hill destinations travelled towards Delhi and Haryana, creating additional load on the highway. Despite being a holiday, the situation worsened and movement on several city routes remained heavily restricted.
In Dehradun, traffic jams started early in the morning but authorities failed to clear encroachments or ease the flow until evening. The situation became more difficult around Rangers Ground, where a fair and roadside markets drew heavy crowds. Footpaths and parts of the road were also occupied by vendors, leaving little space for vehicles to pass.
Major choke points included Lansdowne Chowk, Darshanlal Chowk, Clock Tower, Chakrata Road, Rajpur Road, Mussoorie route and connecting areas. Around Parade Ground, vehicles remained stuck for long durations and short distances took up to 30 minutes to cross. Two-wheelers also struggled to find gaps to move forward.
In addition, a political programme held on Rajpur Road contributed to traffic disruption, adding to public frustration. Many commuters expressed disappointment, stating that weekend traffic management needs stronger planning and enforcement.
